The Urban Engine App Pays Commuters to Avoid Traffic Congestion

A new app will pay you to beat traffic congestion, as if you needed extra incentive. By using algorithms, Urban Engines helps cities determine when and where traffic is worst, while paying commuters to take alternative traffic-avoiding routes.

This system is based on smart cards commuters carry in many major cities including Washington DC and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Urban Engines tracks the journeys these cards take, offering valuable information to city planners. In Singapore, however, things are being taken to the next level as people are earning rewards by avoiding traffic congestion.

For ever kilometer travelled during peak times commuters receive one point, whereas non-peak hours result in three points. Points can be converted into discounts or put towards a raffle where users could win sums of money.